At the law offices of Marasco & Nesselbush, LLP, we have been honored to represent many women who were battling breast cancer. We are privileged to partner with the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, an organization that provides information, access to wellness resources and support programs to those affected by breast cancer in Rhode Island.

The foundation was established in 2004 in honor of Gloria Gemma, a wife and mother of nine who lost her courageous fight with breast cancer in 2002. The foundation started as a website designed to offer resources for victims of breast cancer and their loved ones. Over time it has evolved into an organization that provides over twenty programs designed to help heal mind, body and spirit.

Our Firm’s Involvement with the Celebration of Life Weekend

During the month of October, also known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation and Flames of Hope joined forces to host a Celebration of Life weekend. The events are organized to help promote breast health in the community and fund the foundation.

The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation invited Marasco & Nesselbush, LLP to participate in this weekend full of inspiring events. On Thursday, September 29th, partner Donna Nesselbush joined forces with Governor Gina Raimondo and Representative Robert B. Lancia to kick off the Flames of Hope: Celebration of Life weekend at the Pink Tea event.

On Saturday, October 1st, our firm participated in the Passport to Wellness event. Passport to Wellness offers seminars on a multitude of topics for those affected by breast cancer. On Sunday, October 2nd our firm sent a walking team, decked out in pink garb, to walk in the Gloria Gemma 5K.

The Medical Legal Ramifications of Breast Cancer

During the Passport to Wellness event, Joe Marasco and Donna Nesselbush, the founders of Marasco & Nesselbush LLP, discussed the legal ramifications of breast cancer, potential sources of compensation for those unable to work due to cancer treatment, and how a medical malpractice claim can play a part in a missed or delayed diagnosis.

During the presentation, Joe Marasco pointed out that many people who are dealing with breast cancer are understandably focused on their medical treatment and do not consider the legal implications of a cancer diagnosis. He explained that a breast cancer diagnosis can have serious financial consequences for patients and their families. Many breast cancer patients experience significant loss of income because they are unable to work while undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy or surgery.

As attorneys who advocate for breast cancer patients and their families, Marasco & Nesselbush LLP seeks to secure financial benefits for cancer patients. In some instances, that involves applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. In others, it means seeking compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit, if a preventable medical error caused harm to the patient.

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Breast Cancer & Medical Malpractice

In some cases, a breast cancer patient may suffer harm because a doctor, hospital or other health care provider failed to follow the standard of care. For example, if a woman informs her doctor of a suspected lump in her breast, and the doctor fails to order a mammogram or other diagnostic tests or to interpret the tests properly, the doctor may have violated the standard of care. These medical errors may result in a delayed diagnosis of cancer, allowing it to advance beyond the early stages when treatment can be most effective.

Understanding when a deviation from the standard of care has occurred, and whether that deviation caused a patient harm, requires knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyers working with medical professionals.

Joe Marasco also shared some helpful tips to reduce the risk of being a victim of medical malpractice, specifically as it pertains to breast cancer diagnosis or treatment.

First, be sure to always seek a second opinion. Even if you have been seeing the same doctor for the past 30 years and trust that doctor, a second opinion is always worth getting.

Second, always express your concerns to your doctor, and do not let your doctor discount those concerns. Your feelings about your breast cancer should be taken seriously. If your doctor is not taking you seriously, find a new one.

Third, follow up on the test results. Do not assume that no news is good news. Even if your doctor tells you that if you do not hear from them, assume that everything is fine, you should always follow up with test results.

Be prepared and ask questions. Do some research on your own, and make a list of important considerations and questions to ask your doctor. Do not let your doctor rush you – your life could be on the line.

How Filing a Social Security Disability Claim Can Help You

Donna Nesselbush, who leads the law firm’s team of Social Security Disability attorneys, addressed the topic of whether breast cancer patients and survivors are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a very good chance that your disease will take a significant emotional and financial toll on your life. This may mean that you are unable to work as you go through chemotherapy and the process of fighting cancer. To qualify for SSDI, an individual needs to be out of work and disabled by a condition such as cancer for a minimum of one year.

Marasco & Nesselbush, LLP has won hundreds of Social Security Disability cases for women battling breast cancer. However, many SSDI applications require protracted fights and lengthy appeals because breast cancer is regarded as a treatable disease. The whole process can take months or up to a year or two.

We Are Ready to Represent You

Breast cancer is a serious disease that can be devastating to a patient and her family. At the law firm of Marasco & Nesselbush, LLP, our experienced attorneys know the law and are passionate about helping breast cancer patients and their families obtain the compensation they need to cope with the financial effects of cancer.

To learn more about our legal services, please contact us today online or by phone. We will work hard for you.

Our Firm

Hard work, honesty, intelligence and integrity are the hallmarks of our law firm. At Marasco & Nesselbush, our unwavering commitment is to quality legal work, attention to detail and extraordinary results.